-
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ ISSN
2307-8235 (online) IUCN 2008: T195574A2388650
Placostylus elobatus, Flax Snail
Assessment by: Brodie, G. & Barker, G.
View on www.iucnredlist.org
Citation: Brodie, G. & Barker, G. 2012. Placostylus
elobatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species2012:
e.T195574A2388650.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T195574A2388650.en
Copyright: © 2015 International Union for Conservation of Nature
and Natural Resources
Reproduction of this publication for educational or other
non-commercial purposes is authorized without prior
writtenpermission from the copyright holder provided the source is
fully acknowledged.
Reproduction of this publication for resale, reposting or other
commercial purposes is prohibited without prior writtenpermission
from the copyright holder. For further details see Terms of
Use.
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is produced and managed
by the IUCN Global Species Programme, the IUCNSpecies Survival
Commission (SSC) and The IUCN Red List Partnership. The IUCN Red
List Partners are: BirdLifeInternational; Botanic Gardens
Conservation International; Conservation International; Microsoft;
NatureServe; RoyalBotanic Gardens, Kew; Sapienza University of
Rome; Texas A&M University; Wildscreen; and Zoological Society
of London.
If you see any errors or have any questions or suggestions on
what is shown in this document, please provide us withfeedback so
that we can correct or extend the information provided.
THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES™
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/195574/0http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T195574A2388650.enhttp://www.iucnredlist.org/info/terms-of-usehttp://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/species/http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/species/who_we_are/about_the_species_survival_commission_/http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/species/who_we_are/about_the_species_survival_commission_/http://www.iucnredlist.org/partners/partnershttp://www.birdlife.org/http://www.birdlife.org/http://www.bgci.org/http://www.conservation.org/http://www.microsoft.com/http://www.natureserve.org/http://www.kew.org/http://www.kew.org/http://www.uniroma1.it/http://www.tamu.edu/http://www.wildscreen.org/http://www.zsl.org/mailto:[email protected]?Subject=IUCN
Red List PDF -
10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T195574A2388650.en&body=Please start
your message below:%0D
-
Taxonomy
Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family
Animalia Mollusca Gastropoda Stylommatophora Orthalicidae
Taxon Name: Placostylus elobatus (Gould, 1846)
Synonym(s):
• Aspastus elobatus• Bulimus colubrinus• Bulimus elobatus•
Placostylus elobatus variety albino Pilsbry, 1900• Placostylus
elobatus variety colubrinus (Pfeiffer, 1860)
Common Name(s):
• English: Flax Snail
Taxonomic Notes:
Fourteen species of Placostylus are recorded from the Fijian
archipelago (Barker et al. 2005, Barker andBouchet 2010).
Assessment Information
Red List Category & Criteria: Vulnerable B1ab(iii) ver
3.1
Year Published: 2012
Date Assessed: August 26, 2011
Justification:
This species is recorded from Vanua Levu (5,587 km2) with single
records from each of Ovalau (~ 102km2) and Viti Levu (10,531 km2).
The last record of the species being sighted was in 1972. The
numberof locations is inferred to be five as a maximum - if the
records from Ovalau and Viti Levu are notconfirmed, the number of
locations would be three. Considering the restricted number of
locations (3-5) and the many potential threats affecting these
islands of Fiji (invasive species, deforestation andunsustainable
human land use), this species is listed as Vulnerable. Continued
biosecurity vigilance iscritical to prevent further invasive
species' establishments in this species' habitat, and surveys
todetermine the current distribution and population size, as well
as monitoring of habitat andpopulations, are also recommended.
Geographic Range
Range Description:
This species is recorded from Vanua Levu (5,587 km²) with single
records from Ovalau (~ 102 km²) andViti Levu (10,531 km2). The last
record of the species being sighted was in 1972. The number
oflocations is inferred to be five as a maximum. If the records
from Ovalau and Viti Levu are notconfirmed, the number of locations
would be three.
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Placostylus elobatus
– published in
2012.http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T195574A2388650.en
1
http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/categories-and-criteria
-
Country Occurrence:
Native: Fiji
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Placostylus elobatus
– published in
2012.http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T195574A2388650.en
2
-
Distribution Map
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Placostylus elobatus
– published in
2012.http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T195574A2388650.en
3
-
PopulationThis species was reported as “not previously uncommon”
by Barker et al. (2005). No mention ofabundance was made by Gould
(1846) when it was first described. Garrett (1872) considered
itabundant throughout Vanua Levu.Over 130 specimens, including the
material of Gould, have been collected since 1870, with 50specimens
collected in 1941 near Savusavu on Vanua Levu (Barker, unpublished
data). The currentpopulation size is unknown. The last record of
the species was in 1972.
Current Population Trend: Unknown
Habitat and Ecology (see Appendix for additional
information)This species is reported by Barker et al. (2005) to be
ground dwelling in moist lowland and montaneforest. Little else
about its ecology is known directly, however based on the study of
Placostylus speciesin other Oceania countries (Brescia et al. 2008,
Parish et al. 1995) members of the genus have verylimited dispersal
ability (Ponder et al. 2003) and are most likely to be closely
linked to forest areas. Theyalso have relatively specific
microhabitat requirements such as calcium rich soils (Brescia 2001)
and well-shaded moist, leaf litter and broad-leaf forest plant
species. Based on inference from other members ofthe genus in the
region (Parrish et al. 1995, Stringer et al. 2004, Brescia 2008)
individual life span is likelyto be between 3-20 years.
Systems: Terrestrial
Use and Trade (see Appendix for additional information)This
shell is known to be a collectors' item.
Threats (see Appendix for additional information)Approximately
half of Fiji’s original forests have been lost through clearance
for agriculture and viarepeated fires, and large areas of remaining
forest have been heavily degraded (Masibalavu and Dutson2006). The
1990-93 national forestry inventory estimated the total land area
under forest cover(including mahogany and pine plantations), on
Vanua Levu to be 5,535 km2 with dense and mediumdense natural
forest cover comprising 48% (2,653 km²). An updated forest
inventory is expected soonbased on 2007 data. Vanua Levu and Ovalau
both have introduced rats and introduced predatorymongoose. The
yellow crazy ant is also present on Vanua Levu but reported to be
more prevalent inlowland and/or disturbed areas (Sarnat and Economo
in revision). Rats and pigs are a known threat toPlacostylus
species in other Oceania countries (Sherley et al. 1998, Parrish et
al. 1995). Introduced birdsare also known to prey on placostylids
in New Zealand (Parrish et al. 1995) although this is not as
welldocumented. Domestic or feral grazers are also likely to cause
considerable habitat modification. Thepresence of this species is
not obviously recognized or acknowledged by the local
indigenouscommunity. Land snails are currently viewed by almost all
Fijian communities as either valueless or croppests.
Conservation Actions (see Appendix for additional
information)BirdLife International has designated two priority bird
conservation areas (IBAs) on Vanua Levu: theWailevu/Dreketi
Highlands (720 km2) and the Natewa/Tunuloa Peninsula (180 km2). No
land-based
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Placostylus elobatus
– published in
2012.http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T195574A2388650.en
4
-
conservation related programmes are currently known on Ovalau.
Surveys to assess population sizeand distribution are needed, and
local expertise should be developed to assist with such
surveys.Determining the extent of invasive species threats is
critical. Establishing any linkages between thesesnails and
community land owners is also needed. Furthermore, assessing the
genetic relatedness toother endemic Placostylus species in Fiji and
the wider western Pacific region is recommended. There may be
opportunities for surveys and awareness piggybacking on future
conservation projectsplanned for Vanua Levu by BirdLife
International and the local Fijian NGO NatureFiji via any new
projectsand via the Fiji government’s National Biodiversity
Strategy Action Plan (NBSAP) process.
Credits
Assessor(s): Brodie, G. & Barker, G.
Reviewer(s): Cowie, R., Triantis, K., García, N. & Pippard,
H.
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Placostylus elobatus
– published in
2012.http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T195574A2388650.en
5
-
BibliographyBarker, G.M. & Bouchet, P. 2010. A catalogue and
identification guide to the land snail fauna of Fiji, andassociated
database.
Barker, G. Price, R. Briggs, C. 2005. Priorities for additions
to the Fijian protected natural areas network:an assessment based
on complementarity in land snail assemblages.Report prepared for
WildlifeConservation Society, Suva. Landcare Research,
Hamilton.
Brescia, F. 2001. Conservation de l'escargot de l'Ile des Pins.
Institut Agronomique néo-Calédonien.
Brescia, F., Pöllabauer, C., Potter, M. & Robertson, A.
2008. A review of the ecology and conservation ofPlacostylus
(Mollusca: Gastropoda: Bulimulidae) in New Caledonia. Molluscan
Research 28(2): 111-122.
Garrett, A. 1872. List of species of Bulimus inhabiting the Viti
Islands, with notes on their geographicalrange, and descriptions of
new species. American Journal of Conchology, new ser. 7(4): 231-
236, pl. 18.
Gould, A. 1846. Description of shells from the exploring
expedition. Proceedings of the Boston Society ofNatural History 2:
190-192.
IUCN. 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 2012.2).
Available at: http://www.iucnredlist.org.(Accessed: 17 October
2012).
Masibalavu, V. T. & Dutson, G. 2006. Important Bird Areas in
Fiji: Conserving Fiji’s Natural Heritage.Birdlife International
Pacific Partnership Secretariat., Suva, Fiji.
Parrish, G.R.; Sherley, G.H.; Aviss, M. 1995. Giant landsnail
recovery plan Placostylus spp., Paryphantaspp. New Zealand
Department of Conservation, Wellington.
Ponder W.F., Colgan, D.J., Gleeson, D.M. & Sherley, G. 2003.
Relationships of Placostylus from Lord HoweIsland: an investigation
using he mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene. Molluscan
Research 23:159–178.
Sarnat, E.M. & E.P. Economo. in revision. Ants of Fiji. UC
Press, USA.
Sherley, G.H., Stringer, I.A. N., Parrish, G.R. & Flux, I.
1998. Demography of two landsnail populations(Placostylus
ambagiosus, Pulmonata: Bulimulidae) in relation to predator control
in the far north of NewZealand. Biological Conservation 84(1):
83-88.
Stringer, I.A.N.; Parrish, G.R.; Sherley, G.H. 2004. Population
structure, growth and longevity ofPlacostylus hongii (Pulmonata:
Bulimulidae) on Tawhiti Rahi Island, Poor Knights Islands, New
Zealand.Pacific Conservation Biology 9: 241–247.
CitationBrodie, G. & Barker, G. 2012. Placostylus elobatus.
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012:e.T195574A2388650.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T195574A2388650.en
DisclaimerTo make use of this information, please check the
Terms of Use.
External Resources
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Placostylus elobatus
– published in
2012.http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T195574A2388650.en
6
http://www.iucnredlist.orghttp://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T195574A2388650.enhttp://www.iucnredlist.org/info/terms-of-use
-
For Images and External Links to Additional Information, please
see the Red List website.
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Placostylus elobatus
– published in
2012.http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T195574A2388650.en
7
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/links/195574/0
-
Appendix
Habitats(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Habitat Season Suitability MajorImportance?
1. Forest -> 1.6. Forest - Subtropical/Tropical Moist Lowland
- Suitable Yes
1. Forest -> 1.9. Forest - Subtropical/Tropical Moist Montane
- Suitable Yes
Use and
Trade(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
End Use Local National International
Sport hunting/specimen collecting No No No
Threats(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Threat Timing Scope Severity Impact Score
1. Residential & commercial development -> 1.1.Housing
& urban areas
Ongoing Unknown Unknown Unknown
Stresses: 1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.1. Ecosystem
conversion
1. Residential & commercial development -> 1.3.Tourism
& recreation areas
Ongoing Unknown Unknown Unknown
Stresses: 1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.1. Ecosystem
conversion
2. Agriculture & aquaculture -> 2.1. Annual
&perennial non-timber crops -> 2.1.1.
Shiftingagriculture
Ongoing Unknown Unknown Unknown
Stresses: 1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.1. Ecosystem
conversion
2. Agriculture & aquaculture -> 2.3. Livestock
farming& ranching -> 2.3.2. Small-holder grazing, ranching
orfarming
Ongoing Unknown Unknown Unknown
Stresses: 1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.1. Ecosystem
conversion
5. Biological resource use -> 5.3. Logging &
woodharvesting -> 5.3.3. Unintentional
effects:(subsistence/small scale)
Ongoing Unknown Unknown Unknown
Stresses: 1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.1. Ecosystem
conversion
8. Invasive & other problematic species & genes
->8.1. Invasive non-native/alien species -> 8.1.2.Named
species
Ongoing Unknown Unknown Unknown
Stresses: 2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality
2. Species Stresses -> 2.2. Species disturbance
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Placostylus elobatus
– published in
2012.http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T195574A2388650.en
8
http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemeshttp://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemeshttp://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes
-
8. Invasive & other problematic species & genes
->8.1. Invasive non-native/alien species -> 8.1.2.Named
species
Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Stresses: 2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality
2. Species Stresses -> 2.2. Species disturbance
8. Invasive & other problematic species & genes
->8.1. Invasive non-native/alien species -> 8.1.2.Named
species (Sus scrofa)
Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Stresses: 2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality
2. Species Stresses -> 2.2. Species disturbance
8. Invasive & other problematic species & genes
->8.1. Invasive non-native/alien species -> 8.1.2.Named
species (Anoplolepis gracilipes)
Ongoing Unknown Unknown Unknown
Stresses: 2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality
2. Species Stresses -> 2.2. Species disturbance
8. Invasive & other problematic species & genes
->8.1. Invasive non-native/alien species -> 8.1.2.Named
species
Ongoing Unknown Unknown Unknown
Stresses: 2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality
2. Species Stresses -> 2.2. Species disturbance
Conservation Actions
Needed(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Conservation Actions Needed
2. Land/water management -> 2.1. Site/area management
2. Land/water management -> 2.2. Invasive/problematic species
control
Research
Needed(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Research Needed
1. Research -> 1.2. Population size, distribution &
trends
1. Research -> 1.3. Life history & ecology
1. Research -> 1.5. Threats
3. Monitoring -> 3.1. Population trends
3. Monitoring -> 3.4. Habitat trends
Additional Data Fields
Distribution
Estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) (km²): 16220
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Placostylus elobatus
– published in
2012.http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T195574A2388650.en
9
http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemeshttp://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes
-
Distribution
Number of Locations: 5
Habitats and Ecology
Continuing decline in area, extent and/or quality of habitat:
Yes
Generation Length (years): 3-20
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Placostylus elobatus
– published in
2012.http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T195574A2388650.en
10
-
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ ISSN
2307-8235 (online) IUCN 2008: T195574A2388650
The IUCN Red List Partnership
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is produced and managed
by the IUCN Global SpeciesProgramme, the IUCN Species Survival
Commission (SSC) and The IUCN Red List Partnership. The IUCNRed
List Partners are: BirdLife International; Botanic Gardens
Conservation International; ConservationInternational; Microsoft;
NatureServe; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Sapienza University of
Rome; TexasA&M University; Wildscreen; and Zoological Society
of London.
THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES™
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Placostylus elobatus
– published in
2012.http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T195574A2388650.en
11
http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/species/http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/species/http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/species/who_we_are/about_the_species_survival_commission_/http://www.iucnredlist.org/partners/partnershttp://www.birdlife.org/http://www.bgci.org/http://www.conservation.org/http://www.conservation.org/http://www.microsoft.com/http://www.natureserve.org/http://www.kew.org/http://www.uniroma1.it/http://www.tamu.edu/http://www.tamu.edu/http://www.wildscreen.org/http://www.zsl.org/